Toyota Wants To Kiss And Make Up, Wants You To Keep Buying Toyotas

Now that Toyota has almost nearly completed its time in the naughty spot for dumping a few million potentially deadly vehicles on the market, the world’s largest auto manufacturer is looking to make nice. But instead of flowers, candy or poetry, Toyota is making plans to woo you back into their showrooms with increased cash incentives and improved maintenance plans.

“We are studying everything,” U.S. sales chief Bob Carter said earlier today at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention. “All are under evaluation.”

Don Esmond, senior VP of Toyota Motor Sales USA, takes a more metaphoric approach to the company’s plans: “We’ll figure what the right cruise missile will be.”

While Toyota bigwigs wouldn’t give specific details on the plans under consideration, one report claims a top contender is a $1,000 rebate. This would be in addition to the existing $1,000 loyalty bonus Toyota offers returning customers.

Of even more interest is the possibility of a free maintenance program that would cover regular services like oil changes. They are also considering the idea of matching Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

“We made some mistakes,” said Carter. “But customers look for how you address the mistakes. We are doing what is needed to make that right.”

While the rest of the U.S. car-buying market saw a small uptick in January, Toyota’s stateside sales plummeted 16 percent.